HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 cc571-2W
Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what main criteria he judges the performance of the NHS in Wales. [183392]

Mr. Touhig

The performance of NHS Wales is evaluated as part of the Performance Improvement Framework for NHS Wales.

The "balanced scorecard" is a key component of the framework, giving all perspectives of performance equal weighting. Unlike previous systems which focused on finance and operations, this approach also includes assessment of how the NHS continuously improves and how effectively the needs of all stakeholders are met. Scorecards are produced on a quarterly basis and inform organisational performance reviews.

In addition, key annual targets for NHS Wales are monitored on a monthly basis and where performance causes concern action is taken by regional offices.